Dynamic strategy selection - implementation and results

Abstract

Adaptive traffic signal control in Britain uses either localised or area control strategies. Localised control (MOVA) and area control (SCOOT) use traffic flow and occupancy statistics from inductive loops at or near the controlled junction. Usually junctions with adaptive control run under either SCOOT or MOVA. On a busy dual carriageway trunk feeder road to the east of London, both SCOOT and MOVA have been implemented on six junctions. The traffic director for London completed a study on these junctions showing traffic flows improved and emissions reduced when MOVA was used during peak traffic flows and SCOOT during off-peak periods. The paper describes the initial results from a follow-up project that implements dynamic strategy switching between localised (MOVA) and area adaptive (SCOOT) control. The aim of the study is to investigate possibilities for further delay reductions through switching strategies automatically to react to incident congestion, as well as recurrent, peak-period, congestion.